River | Bréon Rydell

THE TUMBAO EXPERIENCE — A GROUNDBREAKING AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ PROJECT

Published: July 30, 2026

On 30 July 2026, Summertime featuring Duke Ellington was released as the flagship single from The TUMBAO Experience—a fresh Afro-Cuban reimagining of one of the world’s most beloved jazz classics. Launched with an exclusive premiere on New York’s WBGO, it marks the beginning of the album’s international release.

As part of the release strategy for Love Me or Leave Me, Bréon Rydell conducted an exclusive interview with Dr. Samuel Waymon, Nina Simone’s brother, exploring Nina Simone’s extraordinary musical legacy.

Featuring timeless recordings by some of the greatest voices in jazz

THE TUMBAO EXPERIENCE — REIMAGINING THE LEGENDS OF JAZZ

For the first time, timeless recordings by Ray Charles, Carmen McRae, Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, Jimmy Scott, Nina Simone, Duke Ellington and the Buena Vista Social Club are respectfully reimagined through the artistry of an extraordinary ensemble of Afro-Cuban and Latin American musicians.

Since its inception over five years ago, Bréon Rydell has been part of The TUMBAO Experience, contributing to its creative vision and strategic development, He also wrote the album liner notes, and together with Garry Scott Irvine, serves as Executive Producer of the project.

Produced by Grammy Award-winning producers Frank and Christian Berman.

INTO THE LIGHT

Published: February 14, 2026

Into the Light is an original song written and performed by Bréon Rydell, shaped by lived experience and an enduring belief in the power of love, remembrance and authenticity. Dedicated to the memory of Blaze Bernstein, Matthew Shepard and Dr Alan Turing, it honours their lives and legacies while affirming the courage to live authentically in the face of prejudice and injustice.

Following the release of Into the Light, Jeanne Pepper, Blaze Bernstein’s mother, wrote:

“The soul of Into the Light is that it is more than just a contemporary Irish folk song; it is a sonic bridge between grief and hope.”

— Jeanne Pepper

Mother of Blaze Bernstein

It’s A Long, Long Way

Published: February 11, 2025

Bréon Rydell’s song “It’s a Long, Long Way” is a poignant meditation on the journey of life, inspired by the birth of children and the hopes and uncertainties that come with new beginnings.

Grooveshack Sessions

Published: June 18, 2024

FREEDOM SONG

“Bréon – this is such a beautiful freedom song, such a great message and vibe. And love that it has a positive touch, like things will get better actually.”

Frank Berman, Grammy award-winning record producer

Freedom Song is a call to the human family: rise, stand against tyranny and corruption; defend democracy and freedom. An anthem of courage, it reminds us that freedom is a priceless gift to nurture and protect.

Producer and musician, Billy Robinson, with Bréon Rydell at the Grooveshack, Ramelton, Donegal, Ireland.

CHRISTMAS TIME IN DONEGAL

Published: October 7, 2024

Inspired by the music and storytelling traditions of Ireland, Bréon wrote Christmas Time in Donegal after reflecting on how his move to Donegal transformed his life, both personally and artistically.

‘Collaborating with Billy, Dermot, Seamus, Peadar and Margaret has been an absolute joy and pleasure.’

For Bréon, no place better captures the spirit of Christmas Time in Donegal than The Olde Glen Bar in the village of Glen.

“Glorious ! Makes me want to cross the Irish Sea and have a proper Christmas” x

Sir Stephen Fry on Christmas Time in Donegal

December 2024